Saturday 9: Joanna

Thanks goes out to Crazy Sam for the music and questions. Enjoy the meme? Play along here.

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The subject of this week's song, Joanna, is described as someone who never lets you down and can always be counted upon. Who in your life is like that? To some degree I'd have to say everyone in my inner circle is like that. I mean, who wants friends who aren't there for you. We all let someone down now and then, but if you are consistently that kind of friend, you probably aren't going to last long in my life unless there is a very good reason for it.

2) Kool and the Gang vocalist James "J. T." Taylor sings that he will do his best to do what's right for her. Reflect on the last week. What did you devote special effort to?  Resting, getting well, and seeing a doctor in person. It's finally working, too. The virus that has owned me for the last two weeks is beginning to let up and I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I'm not sure I'll actually be ready for it, but I told my boss that I will return to work on Monday.

3) This video was filmed at the Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst, NJ. Still open 40 years later, the Colonial is known for their Boom Boom Shrimp, aka fried shrimp in sweet chili sauce. Think of your favorite local restaurant. What menu item would recommend?  The zucchini fries. They are coated, deep-fried, zucchini straws. Dipped in ranch dressing they are my Kryptonite. For an actual meal I'd recommend either the burgers, the hot turkey sandwich (with fries and everything smothered in gravy), or the lasagna. All are excellent.  

4) Kool and the Gang's biggest hit was 1980's "Celebration," which is popular today with disc jockeys at wedding receptions. Are you likely to get up and dance at a wedding reception? Or would we find you enjoying the party from your seat?  If I have someone to dance with I'll be on the dance floor.

5) Kool and the Gang are proud of their NJ roots. Group founder Robert Bell was given the nickname "Kool" by his Jersey City friends because he was so "laid back." Do you think your friends would describe you as "laid back?"  Yes. Most everyone comments on my calmness and go with the flow-ness.

6) One of the Jersey City's biggest employers is Evergreen, a transportation and shipping company with offices in Evertrust Plaza, a high-rise near the waterfront. What is the tallest building you've ever been in? Were you there for business, or to enjoy the view?  I've been in a few high-rises in Pittsburgh, but never more than a few floors up. I've been to the top of the Skylon Tower at Niagara Falls, Ontario and the top of the Washington Monument, but do those count as buildings?

7) In 1983, when "Joanna" topped the charts, Vanessa Williams became the first African American to be crowned Miss America. Today, Miss America is still among the most popular televised pageants, along with Miss World and Miss Universe. Do you watch beauty pageants?  Growing up it was a big deal in my family. We'd all watch and pick our "winner" then track the votes and see who won bragging rights. I probably haven't watched any of the pageants since the early 90's. Tim's not into that and it's no fun on my own.

8) Also in 1983, superstars Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson joined forces for the #1 song, "Say, Say, Say." Each man began his career as part of a group but went on to have success on his own. Can you think of anyone else who started out in band or group but also scored as a solo artist?  Lionel Ritchie, Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Darius Rucker, and Vince Gill to name a few.

9) Random question: Have you more recently eaten bread sticks or carrot sticks?  Bread sticks. I love bread sticks, especially if they're garlic ones.

I really am beginning to feel better after nearly two weeks of being home with a nasty virus. It wasn't covid, flu, or rsv. I can't tell you what it was. There are two schools of thought about it. One is that since I got it right on the heels of having covid, it hit me harder. The second is that it is another big nasty that's floating around. I don't pretend to know the answer, but I've heard several other people from all over the blogosphere/Facebook worlds describe having the same symptoms and duration. All I can say is stay healthy out there. This one is no fun.

On a happier note, the new furniture got delivered today. I promised a picture, but please ignore any mess you see....a month of me being down sick hasn't done anything good for the house.

Currently...

Cough, cough, cough. That about sums it up as to what I'm currently doing and what I've been doing all weekend. Much to my dismay, I called off work again today and plan to call my new doctor's office to see if they can fit me in. I don't want to see the crew at MedExpress again if I don't have to, but enough is enough. I'm miserable and in all honestly, pretty gross.

Anyway.

Reading... Well, going to start reading Murder at the Bookstore (Book 1 in the Bookstore Mystery Series) by Sue Minix and Aging with Grace: Flourishing in an Anti-aging Culture by Sharon W. Betters and Susan Hunt. The first is for fun. The second is for the women's reading group at church. In case I'm well enough to participate.

Watching... Yesterday I spent most of the day watching a Laverne & Shirley marathon on Cozy Comedy via the Frndly streaming service. Unlike so many shows I remember as being hysterical then watch again only to find they didn't hold up over time, the girls did not disappoint. Sad, though, that I think the guy who played Lenny is the only member of the core cast still alive.

Listening... to nothing (except my own coughing). It's really quiet this morning. And the sun is actually coming up! We haven't seen that in a while.

Thinking... I hope our grandson is feeling better today. His mom took him to get checked out yesterday because he had been complaining of headaches and stomach aches and then started spiking a fever. Turns out he is constipated (explains the stomach ache) and has to take Miralax 3 times a day until the problem is solved. However, he also tested positive for Influenza A.

Grateful... we finally got the Christmas decorations down yesterday. It took us all day, but we did it. Slow and steady won the race. They'd been up so long it seems so strange to have them gone.

Looking forward... to the arrival of our new sofa and chair-and-a-half later this week. I was going stir crazy on Saturday so we stepped out for a little bit of fresh air and a change of scenery. It was only supposed to be a trip to Walmart for a few things we needed, but I wasn't coughing quite as bad. So, armed with a pocket full of cough drops and tissues we decided to look at sofas. I love the sectional I bought 2 years ago at an auction for $50, but it just hasn't held up to constant use by the family or Tim's tendency to sleep part of the night on it. We caught the New Year's sales so got a good deal on the two pieces. 

Oh, and temperatures around 50 degrees this week. Even if rain is coming with them. I've had enough of the deep freeze!

Feeling... I guess, hopeful, other than the yuckiness already mentioned.

Wondering... if I'll have enough energy to make a big pot of chicken noodle soup today. It sounds so good and would probably help my congestion at least a little.

 Giggles...

Saturday 9: Young Girl

Saturday 9: Young Girl (1968)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The song is about a girl who is too young for romance. How old were you when your parents allowed you to date?  I don't really remember it being discussed, but I didn't go out on an actual date until I was a senior in high school. I was 17.

2) Lead singer Gary Puckett mentions the girl's perfume. What scent do you wear most often?  I don't wear actual perfume because it kills my sinuses. I wear body sprays, usually from Bath & Body, usually food scented. Right now I'm using "warm vanilla sugar" but I also have "winter candy apple" and a couple of tropical scents that feature coconut and/or pineapple.

3) "Young Girl" reached #2 on the charts and stayed there for three weeks, but it never hit #1. It was stuck behind Otis Redding's "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay." Are you competitive by nature? Or would you be satisfied doing well, but not being #1?  I can be competitive, but I'm not nearly as much so as when I was younger. In most things I can be satisfied with a job well done these days.

4) The Union Gap got together in San Diego, California's second most populated city. Have you ever visited California? If yes, where did you go?  No, I've never been to California. I've always had this fear in the back of my mind that the moment I step foot in the state will be when the "big one" hits and California (along with me) will fall off into the ocean just like they told us would happen back in school.

5) The Union Gap performed at a White House state dinner for special guests Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Some in attendance that night maintain that President Nixon seemed to be playing matchmaker that night between the Prince and his daughter, Tricia. Have you ever tried to fix people up? If yes, did romance result?  I introduced my sister-in-law and her husband. They've been married for almost 30 years so I guess romance resulted.

6) After six Top 20 hits in three years, the Union Gap disbanded. Today Gary Puckett tours as a solo artist on the "oldies circuit" with Peter Noone of the Herman's Hermits. Without looking it up, can you name any of the Herman's Hermits hits?  "I'm Henry the VII, I Am," and "Can't You Hear My Heart Beat?"

7) In 1968, when "Young Girl" was a hit, Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Think about the last wedding you attended. Were you closer to the bride or groom?  I don't think we've been to a wedding since our daughter got married, so that would definitely be the bride.

8) Also in 1968, the most popular movie in theaters was Funny Girl, starring Barbra Streisand. What's the last movie you watched?  I watched so many movies when I was off work with covid that I have no idea what the last one was. Tim had a few movies on last weekend, but I didn't watch them.

9) Random question -- Come clean: Right now are there more dishes in your sink or clothes in your hamper?  With me being sick so much lately, it's kind of been a tie most of the time. However, I did load the dishwasher and run it today so the hamper "wins" this time.

Thanks as always, Sam, for the music and questions! If you enjoyed this, you can play along here.

Sunday Stealing

"Stolen" from Pinterest today.

1. Your favorite part of the day. When I had jobs that allowed me to work my own hours or have summers off, I would have said mornings were the best part of the day. I loved them because they were quiet and it was just me. I would spend time doing my Bible study or getting lost in a good book. Now that I must get up and leave the house all year round, I think I enjoy the evenings the best. Tim and I are both home and spend the time relaxing, catching up, playing on our screens (tablet for him and laptop for me) or watching television.

2. Something you know a lot about.  I suppose I know a good bit about the different areas in which I have been employed: driving a school bus; dealing with those who have dementia; and these days dealing with those who have intellectual disabilities. I have to say that there is actually a good bit of overlap among the three.

3. An important person in your life.  There are several important people in my life, but today I will highlight my beautiful, precious, granddaughter. Though I am 55 years older than her, she is my soul sister. We are very much alike and she delights my heart!

4. Your favorite recipe.  I don't know that I have a favorite, but my family has always liked my meatloaf, which can be found in a copy of the older Betty Crocker cookbook. The newer ones do not have it. These days I know it pretty much by heart, but I rarely measure and just toss in this and that.

5. An event that turned out differently than planned.  I'd have to say New Year's Day since I woke up sick with Covid this year.

6. How you procrastinate. Why, I procrastinate very well, thank you! Seriously, I will procrastinate on just about everything.

7. The best type of surprise.  Ones involving family or friends and that catch me completely unaware.

8. Music that helps you relax.  I find any music that I like and can sing along to relaxing. 

9. A thing your life has in excess. Loved ones with health challenges...physical pain...stuff/clutter.

10. A book you want to read.  I'd like to read Matthew Perry's autobiography this year.

11. A person you’re always happy to see.  Any of my family.

12. What time do you go to sleep?  Usually between 10-11pm. If I go earlier I'll be awake in the night. I used to be a great sleeper, but age has stolen that from me.

13. A word to describe the past year.  Fast. Seriously, it went by in a blur!

14. Your favorite household chore.  A domestic goddess I am not, but if I must pick a chore....washing the dishes.

15. One thing you’d like to see.  Just one? There's so much of this world I haven't seen and would love to see. I guess maybe I'd put Greece at the top of the list. Photos from there are always so breathtakingly beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by. You can play along here if you'd like.

Currently.......Thankful

Hello, friends! Free time is a rare commodity these days and growing more so the closer we get to Christmas. So, forgive me for combining Currently and Thankful Thursday into a single post this week.

Currently...

The weather is clear and 37 degrees. Tomorrow's high is only predicted to be 31, but we are looking at a bit of a warm up heading toward the weekend.

Reading...The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. It's a book I picked up at one of the used book sales I hit over this past summer. So far it's well written and interesting. It's about three sisters from a "quirky" family who all are facing major failures in their lives that they are keeping secret from the family, but they are all back at home due to their mother's cancer. I'm looking forward to learning how their story turns out.

Watching...The Great Christmas Light Fight as I'm typing. All I can say is, "WOW!" I really, really want to see the Atlanta Botanical Gardens at Christmas in person. It is officially on my bucket list!

Thinking...about all things Christmas. 

Right now Christmas is consuming my thoughts whether it's at work or at home. This Friday is the big party at work and it is all hands on deck to finish decorating and prepare the food. It is a wonderful event and even the big man, himself, (Santa) puts in an appearance! 

At home, with only having 2 weeks to go, how can I not be thinking about Christmas? There is shopping to finish, though thankfully the big stuff is done. I'm down to stocking stuffers and a few gift certificates. The wrapping, however, is another story. I've yet to have time (or energy if I have time) to get that done. And though our daughter has decided we will have Christmas at her house, she doesn't do holiday cooking so that will fall on me. What to have...other than ham...is the question.

Celebrating...birthdays!!! 

Tomorrow is our grandson Colton's 7th birthday. We are gathering for pizza and cake tomorrow evening. The week after Christmas his mom and dad are taking him (and his sister) to Erie for a few days at Splash Lagoon. He is so excited. 

Thursday a client from work is having her birthday party at Olive Garden and she invited a lot of the staff and other clients from work. She reports there should be about 50 at dinner! 

Next Tuesday is Tim's birthday. I don't know when or if we will get to celebrate as he is working crazy hours trying to wrap up his current project before Christmas. It bothers me, but he is fine with it as he prefers not to celebrate his birthdays, anyway.

Looking forward to...the Christmas program at church this Sunday. We practiced this past Sunday and will again this Saturday. It is a little different, a shadow play. It looked really cool during practice and should be awesome when it's truly dark. I will be narrating. I'm also excited because while Tim has said he will not go, our daughter and grandkids (and maybe son-in-law) are going to come. I am going to ask my mom and stepdad, too. There's a dinner afterward.

And now, smooshing Thankful Thursday in here.

I am so very thankful...

** for the newest member of our family, a lovely gray rescue kitty named Oliver. He is the sweetest boy, but so far he is hanging out in the closet in the play room. I hope he will venture further out eventually.

** for all the Christmas fun and memories being made with the grandkids.

** that while my "bad" leg is usually pretty uncomfortable in the evening, it lets me get through the day and do what I need to do. I'll find a new doctor and deal with it after Christmas.

** things are finally falling into place and I'll soon be picking up an extra 5 hours a week doing companion work with Mike, the client I brought home for Thanksgiving.

** Tim actually has a doctor's appointment on Friday. I didn't nag him and I don't know when he made it. He just casually mentioned it over the weekend. I'm so glad he's going!

** for my Lord and Savior and this season in which we remember and celebrate His birth.

** for my family, my friends, my work and precious clients, and, of course, for each one of you!

Oh yeah, and I'm currently giggling at...

Enjoy the rest of your week and all the blessings and joy of the Christmas season!

Currently

Outside my window...it's 43 degrees, there's rain in the area (though it's not raining right now), and the wind is blowing like crazy. Some of the gusts sound like a freight train running over the roof! We've cooled down from today's high of 53 degrees and yesterday's 60 degrees.

Also outside my window I can see all the beautiful Christmas lights up and down the street.

I'm reading...nothing. I'm in between books and haven't chosen the next one.

I'm watching...tonight's new movie debut on Hallmark. It's pretty good, but I forget the name.

I'm enjoying...the lights of the Christmas tree. It's finally up. I'm about a week late this year.

The weekend...got started Friday evening with take-out Chinese for dinner and a quiet night at home watching TV. Tim was working Saturday and I expected to do all the Christmas decorating, but my sister-in-law called first thing and invited me to ride along to the mall and then have lunch at Olive Garden. 

Our trip to the mall wasn't very successful. She wasn't able to get what she wanted for her granddaughter and while I did buy a Christmas dress for my granddaughter, as requested by my daughter, there were only 3 Christmas dresses in the entire mall in her size and the one I got ended up being too tight. She's apparently having a bit of a growth spurt and making the jump to the next size. My daughter is going to try Burlington this week.

I had to take my daughter to Walmart to do some grocery shopping Saturday evening so I did some of my own and also ended up (with her direction) getting a few more things for the kids, including our grandson's big gift...an electric Razor mini bike. We had to call Tim to come pick that up in his truck.

Today I stayed home from church because my leg is really hurting again (it was hurting to begin with yesterday and then I did too much) and I had all the decorations to deal with. Tim worked so I just did a little at a time and took breaks to put my leg up. The kids came over for a little while, too. We had lunch and watched a movie so that was a big break. I also didn't put out all the decorations this year. I don't think anyone but me will care.

This week's agenda (so far):

Monday - work (so much to do to get ready for the big Christmas party on the 15th)

Tuesday - work, haircut after work

Wednesday - work, get nails done after work

Thursday - my Bible study group's Christmas party

Friday - Staff (from work) Christmas party

Saturday - baking with a client

Giggling at...

Have a great week, my friends!